Located in Wenatchee National Forest in central Washington state, Mission Ridge is a friendly resort for the whole family. Its dry snow and sunny days draw skiers from around this notoriously gray and wet state. Though not as well known as other Pacific Northwest ski resorts such as Mt. Baker, Mt. Bachelor, and Sun Valley, Mission Ridge’s central location, affordability, and wide variety of runs and services delight skiers of all abilities.

Winter Activities

Mission Ridge provides space for alpine and telemark skiers alike with its 2,140 vertical drop and more than thirty runs. Snowboarders will enjoy the half-pipe served by a rope tow. Ski lessons are big at Mission Ridge, and are available for skiers of all ages and abilities.

The resort is also open for night skiing. Other winter activities near the resort include ice skating, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling.

Summer Activities

Visitors to Mission Ridge during summer will find themselves in the heart of rugged wilderness. Wenatchee National Forest is home to myriad hiking and mountain biking trails as well as fishing and whitewater rafting on the Wenatchee River. Peshastin Pinnacles State Park, ten miles east of the town of Leavenworth, is a rock climber’s mecca. The resort is located in the heart of apple country, so be sure to pick up a bag at one of the many roadside stands.

Après-ski

The nearby towns of Wenatchee (thirteen miles away) and Leavenworth (twenty miles away) are the nearest sources of activity off the mountain. Leavenworth is modeled on a Bavarian theme, complete with a number of places to imbibe authentic brew. The Leavenworth Brewery is the most popular, with a half-dozen beers brewed on site. Both towns host a variety of good restaurants to satisfy locals as well as weekenders from Seattle and Spokane.

Transportation

Though Wenatchee does have a small airport, most skiers reach the resort by road from Seattle or Spokane, both about 150 miles away. Both cities have a major international airport.

There is a free shuttle bus connecting Mission Ridge to the greater Wenatchee area. It’s also possible to catch a ride on the roads connecting the resort to nearby towns.

Housing

Though the resort does not supply or arrange employee housing, it’s not too hard to find a place to live in nearby Wenatchee. Despite the winter weekend ski crowds from the city, ski resort workers should have no trouble locating housing for the season. Try checking the classifieds in the local newspaper, the Wenatchee Daily World.

Mission Ridge Employment

About 200 new employees are hired every winter to work at the resort in a variety of positions. Competition for jobs here is less stiff than at the big-name resorts of the West, so it might be a good place to start if you have your heart set on working in the Northwest. Those seeking work off the mountain should have no trouble finding a position at the many restaurants, bars, and hotels in Leavenworth and Wenatchee.